Teachers at Westbourne Academy in Ipswich have walked out in protest over “unmanageable” levels of classroom disruption, marking an escalating crisis in school discipline. The teacher strike over student behaviour began on Tuesday, with further action planned this week and next, as staff demand urgent interventions to address escalating threats and violence from pupils.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) cited widespread behavioural issues including students refusing to attend classes, roaming unsupervised around the school, and exhibiting threatening behaviour toward staff and peers.
Online Learning Implemented for Three Year Groups
With around 1,000 students enrolled, the school shifted learning online for Years 7, 8 and 9 on Tuesday and Wednesday to manage the impact of the strike. The school is operated by Academy Transformation Trust, which acknowledged the disruption and said it is working with unions to address staff concerns.
Teachers Demand Safe Classrooms After Repeated Violence
In a statement, NASUWT said: “A large group of pupils at Westbourne Academy are refusing to attend lessons and instead choose to roam the school, disrupting other lessons and engaging in threatening behaviour.” Teachers have been left without effective support despite repeatedly asking for leadership intervention, the union added.
Staff reported serious incidents including verbal abuse, pupils walking out of class, and physical assaults involving objects like chairs and scissors being thrown at teachers. The situation has taken a toll on staff mental health and well-being, as well as on students who are committed to their education.
Teachers Say “Enough Is Enough”
Sophie Walker, a science teacher and NEU representative at the school, joined the picket line and described the conditions as unsustainable. “We’re striking to make a stand against the behaviours of students… enough is enough,” she said. “Every day you walk into school and you don’t know what to expect.”
She added that while expulsion is an option, the school prefers rehabilitation and that the current system makes removing persistently disruptive students extremely difficult.
School Trust Vows Reform After Ofsted Warning
The Academy Transformation Trust noted that a recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024 rated the school “good” but raised concerns about behaviour. In response, the trust said it is increasing staff numbers, reinforcing leadership, and planning a comprehensive overhaul of pupil conduct management to begin after half-term.
Executive Principal Nicky Hood emphasised the need for balanced discipline, stating, “Every child has a right to an education — and every effort must be made to help them engage. But staff well-being is also a top priority.”
